What does the Code of Ethics suggest regarding boundaries in the client-worker relationship?

The suggestion that boundaries must be firmly established and maintained in the client-worker relationship is grounded in the professional standards set forth by the Code of Ethics in social work. Establishing clear boundaries is essential to protect both the client and the social worker, ensuring a professional relationship that fosters trust and safety. Maintaining these boundaries helps to prevent conflicts of interest, emotional entanglement, and potential exploitation, allowing both parties to engage in the helping process effectively and ethically.

Boundaries serve to define the limits of the professional relationship, including clarifying roles, responsibilities, and the nature of interactions. This clarity is crucial in creating a therapeutic environment that prioritizes the well-being of the client while also protecting the integrity of the social work profession. By adhering to these boundaries, social workers can focus on the needs of their clients without allowing personal feelings or relationships to interfere in the professional context, thus ensuring that the primary goal of support and empowerment is met.